Women’s World Cup Tips: Heavyweights head into battle as quarterfinals begin

It started off with 32, but as we head towards the weekend there are just eight teams left in the Women’s World Cup – by Saturday afternoon there will be just four.

FIFA’s top two of the United States and Germany are both out of the running, but six of the remaining nations do find themselves nestled in the top 10 at this point in time, as they at least try to live up to the expectations placed upon them.

Colombia, who are at 36 to win the whole thing, remain the last genuine dark horse left in the competition, and they’ll face current favourites, England, for a place in the semifinals. The Lionesses are at 4.1 to lift the trophy for the first time.

We’ve got football expert, Joe Crann, on hand to talk us through the next four games, and he gives his predictions on who could make it through the latest hurdle in Australia and New Zealand.

Spain v Netherlands

Kick off: 2am Friday

Aside from that incredible shock defeat to Japan in their third game, the Spanish have been pretty much faultless in Auckland and Wellington. They’ve scored 13 goals and have three players in Aitana Bonmati, Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo all on three goals each, and La Roja’s free-scoring form has seen them go into the quarterfinals as second favourites to win the whole thing.

The Dutch, meanwhile, have been trucking along nicely as well. They’ve only conceded once, to the USA, and scored 11 times - but you’d think that both sides will be expecting a much lower-scoring affair than previous games as they head to Wellington Regional Stadium.

Recommended bet: Spain and over 1.5 goals @ 2.42

Japan v Sweden

Kick off: 8.30am Friday

Futoshi Ikeda’s side have arguably been the most impressive of any side at the WWC so far, and they’re the only team that has won all of their four games so far within 90 minutes. With 14 goals they’ve been clinical at the sharp end of the pitch, while conceding just one at the other - in Hinata Miyazawa they have the tournament’s top scorer and she’s at 3.7 to get another at Eden Park.

The Swedes, though, are also undefeated, and will be sky high in terms of confidence after knocking out pre-tournament favourites, USA, in the last round. They’ve picked up three clean sheets in a row, but may find it difficult against the firing Nadeshiko.

Recommended bet: Japan to qualify @ 1.68

Australia v France

Kick off: 8am Saturday

It will be the hosts’ toughest test yet as they go up against world number five, France, but with Sam Kerr back in business and six goals in their last two games they will be well up for the game in Brisbane.

Les Bleues are the favourites, though, and in Kadidiatou Diani (at 3.3 anytime goalscorer) and Eugenie Le Sommer (at 3 anytime) they have two of the tournaments top scoring players. Defensively they’ve been far from faultless, though, and you can see both teams getting in on the action here.

Recommended bet: France to win @ 2.2

England v Colombia

Kick off: 11.30am Saturday

Sarina Wiegman’s England made it past Nigeria by the skin of their teeth earlier in the week, needing a penalty shootout to book their spot in the final eight, but they showed character and mettle to get the job done and go into this game as favourites to go all the way.

At 1.57 for victory they’re backed heavily to knock out their Colombian opponents, but with young magician, Linda Caicedo, on their side and the power of a fairytale story behind them Las Chicas Superpoderosas will certainly not be counting themselves out.

The English will be without exciting youngster, Lauren James, following that stamp in the last round, but the China game showed that they can get goals from all over.

Recommended bet: England win and under 3.5 goals @ 1.9

Recommended Bets:

Spain vs Netherlands: Spain and over 1.5 goals @ 2.42
Japan vs Sweden: Japan to qualify @ 1.68
Australia vs France: France to win @ 2.2
England vs Colombia: England win and under 3.5 goals @ 1.9